When All Else Fails: 26 Promising Products for Awful Acne Scars

If you have acne scars, you know you need help. No one likes going around with the unpleasant pockmarks on their face or body. Acne scars have been around for ages, and specialists have been tirelessly working on the treatment.

There are many hard line measures that can be taken to remove these scars; however, before going under the knife, it makes sense to try out the innovative products for acne scars that are available on the market today. There are many options for people who are frustrated with this constant fight. The following remedies can reduce the appearance of acne scars.

1. Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation

This is an innovative three-in-one product that the dermatologists have been working on for some time. It doesn’t just act as a makeup foundation by concealing the acne scars, it also provokes skin regeneration and works as a moisturizer.

This product helps repair the skin cells that suffered from the appearance of acne. At the same, it hydrates the skin, reduces the redness and gives your face a healthy glow. As a bonus it has an SPF of 25 and is water-resistant for over an hour and a half. The texture is light and goes on smoothly. The cost is around $65.

2. Evologie Intensive Blemish Serum

The dermatologists developed a special YS3 COMPLEX® that does a good job penetrating the skin layers without drying them out. This product doesn’t just cleanse the skin from dirt and bacteria, it hydrates and repairs it. The serum contains only natural ingredients.

This is one of the best products for acne on your face since it doesn’t contain such skin irritating ingredients as benzoyl-peroxide that other similar treatments do. This serum fights the appearance of pockmarks and blemishes while intensively hydrating the damaged skin. The product is suitable for all skin types and is hypoallergenic. The price tag is about $35.

3. Ambi Fade Cream

This is one of the most affordable products for acne scars your drugstore has to offer. This fade cream reduces the appearance of acne scars. Its secret is simple: it contains a two percent hydroquinone concentration. Hydroquinone is the products that was approved by FDA for treating skin irregularities, such as dark spots or freckles. It works for acne scars, as well.

The results become visible after about four weeks of daily use. This cream also contains soy proteins and lactic acids that help fight skin imperfections. Alpha-hydroxy acid exfoliates the skin while vitamin E nourishes it. This drugstore remedy comes at a moderate price of about $6.

4. Mybody Glowbiotics Probiotic Instant Resurfacing Pads

These resurfacing pads are considered a quick fix for all the skin imperfections, including pores, wrinkles, blemishes and acne scar. If used on a daily basis, this product can have an effect of a chemical peel but without any unfortunate side effects, such as irritation.

If used two to four times a week, these pads will make your complexion brighter and will reduce the signs of acne scarring. These pads contain a special glow biotics balancing complex that can help reduce signs of aging. The five percent lactic acid induces skin regeneration. The potassium azeloyl-diglycinate fights redness and makes the skin look brighter. The cost is approximately $49.

5. Skin Medica Lytera Skin Brightening Complex

This is one of the most popular products for acne scars and dark spots. This complex can help reduce skin discoloration all over your body. It suits all skin types and improves overall condition of your skin. It evens out the tone and fights most hyperpigmentation. The results appear after a four weeks of religious use.

The product contains licorice root extract which fights dark spots. The peptides deal with excess production of melanin in your skin cells. Retinol helps rejuvenate the skin while vitamin E fights free radicals that can cause further damage to the cells. The complex costs about $80.

6. Kate Somerville D-Scar Diminishing Serum

An independent clinical study showed that people who used this serum for four weeks reported the scar texture improvement and increase in skin smoothness. 92 percent of the users reported decrease in the scar thickness. This serum doesn’t just reduce the appearance of acne scarring; it also hydrates your skin. It deals with both old and new scars.

This product contains a special microencapsulated DS-7 peptide that helps the skin renewal by penetrating deep through the layers and releasing the helpful ingredients where they are needed the most. This is one of the popular products for acne scars at Sephora where it can be purchased at a fair price of $48.

7. Skinception Dermefface FX7

This cream has a light texture which is fast-absorbing and feels pleasant to the touch. The results become visible after just 28 days of daily use. This cream is recommended by cosmetic surgeons to help reduce the appearance of acne and other scars. This product helps normalize the collagen production on the damaged skin areas.

This cream can be used as soon as the skin heals. For acne scars the best results will appear after about three to four months of use. It will depend on the depth of your scars. The cream must be applied twice a day for faster results. The cost is about $65.

8. DNA Regeneration Serum

When the scars are still fresh, it makes sense to start the treatment immediately. This non-prescription remedy is the first aid for the acne scar. It helps boost the collagen production much-needed to help the scars heal properly. This product has been clinically proven to accelerate healthy skin growth.

This serum is good for all skin types. Besides fighting scars, it also deals with the negative aging effects. It helps fight skin discoloration, smooths deep wrinkles and reduces age spots. This serum is plant-based. It can also protect the skin from the daily negative environmental effects. The price tag is about $150.

9. DHC Renewing AHA Cream

If your acne scars are not too pronounced, you can use this cream that acts as an exfoliator. It helps remove old and dull skin cells, leaving your skin smoother and brighter. It will not fight deep acne scars but will help your skin look and feel rejuvenated.

While being suitable for all skin types, this product can be considered the best solution for dry skin. It has 10 percent concentration of lactic acid that helps smooth out the skin. It has a very light texture and absorbs quickly. For better results the cream must be applied before going to sleep. It comes at a fair price of about $ 40.

10. Rodan and Fields Proactiv + Advanced Dark Spot Correcting Serum

This serum deals with dark spots acne scarring since it contains two percent hydroquinone. It does not make your skin imperfections disappear, but does a good job lightening up the pockmarks. The skin is calmed and soothed by the sea buckhorn ingredient.

This product has been tested by the dermatologists. It doesn’t contain any parabens an is non-comedogenic. Some people reported that this serum is rather powerful and can bleach out the skin, so it’s recommended to spot-test it before using. It comes at a moderate price of about $30.

11. Hydropeptide Purifying Cleanser

This is one of the best cleansing products for acne scars and redness problems. It helps fight skin imperfections, including blemishes and dark spots. It induces skin radiance and make it look and feel younger and smoother. This product contains kaolin clay and salicylic acid that help prevent new breakouts.

The mandelic acid brightens and evens out the skin tone. Radish root ferment deals with the fine lines and wrinkles. If besides the acne scars you have other hyperpigmentation problems, this cleanser can become your best friend. It suits all skin types. The price tag is about $55.

12. Roc Multi Correxion Skin Renewing Serum

Exfoliating and brightening properties of this serum will make your skin look fresher while the acne scars will fade away. The pure retinol stimulates collagen production and reduces the appearance of skin imperfections, such as acne scars and wrinkles. Vitamins E and C act as antioxidants that fight dangerous free radicals.

Zinc, magnesium and copper complex stimulates healthy skin cell growth. The texture of the serum is light and it absorbs pretty fast. The only downside for some people is the smell which reminds of maple syrup. However, it disappears fast. The cost of this product is just under $25.

13. Alpha Beta® Peel Extra Strength Daily Peel

This daily peel is a good solution for all skin types. It doesn’t just help acne scars fade; it also fights the signs of skin aging. These presoaked pads can be used on a daily basis. They are great for acne-prone skin which is rough, dull and dry. This is a quick fix solution for damaged skin.

The formula is patented by Dr. Dennis Gross who has been using it on his patients in NYC. The product contains seven different acids, including AHA that has anti-aging qualities while keeping the skin hydrated and nourished. This product doesn’t contain any dangerous ingredients, such as parabens, sulfates or phthalates. The price tag is about $16.

14. Retin-A Micro

This is a medication that can only be prescribed by your dermatologist. It helps build the skin’s collagen and reduces the appearance of acne scars on your back, face and the rest of the body.

The results will become visible after two weeks of therapy. However, the best results are reached after seven weeks. The cost of the Rx product is rather high and starts at about $270.

15. Dermagist Acne Scar Fading Cream

Dermagist acne fading products are popular for their noticeable effect. They won’t make the scars disappear completely but their appearance will be faded. The texture of the scarred skin will also be improved. This cream is a good moisturizer that contains aloe vera, shea butter and chamomile.

This product helps fight the redness that acne scars cause. The overall condition of the skin on your face is also improved due to such ingredients as rosamosqueta, acai berry, panthenol and niacinamide. The manufacturer gives a 30 days 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. The price tag is around $80.

16. Derma E Scar Gel

This gel is on our list of the best drugstore products for acne scars. It is clinically proven to even out the scar texture, brighten up the color of your skin and improve the overall appearance of the scarred surface. It battles both new and old scars. For new scars the effect should be noticeable in two months, for old scars – in three to six months.

This gel contains panthenol, which is a great healing agent that helps the skin renewal process. Allicin serves to fight bacteria and fungi. It also contains a mix of organic ingredients specifically chosen to battle skin imperfections and hyperpigmentation. The gel comes at an affordable price of about $12.

17. Mederma Advanced Scar Gel

This moderately-priced product is recommended by dermatologists and pharmacists to deal with both old and new scars. It fights all kinds of scars, including acne and burns. This gel is designed to help acne scars fade as fast as possible.

This water-based and oil-free gel is designed to fight acne scars without causing new breakouts. It can be used as soon as the wound heals. The gel contains cepalin botanical extract that helps reduce the scar appearance and soften the skin around it. This cost is about $10.

18. Scar Away Silicone Scar Sheets

Silicone sheeting treatment is supported by several clinical studies. It’s one of the widely-used remedies for burn and acne scars. This scar treatment is considered to be medical-grade and is used in the hospitals and burn centers. These sheets can be used on both old and new scars. The treatment should start as soon as the wound heals completely.

You will have to be wearing these sheets while the treatment is working. They will do a good job concealing the scar while it’s fading. This product is recommended by plastic surgeons and can become one of the best choices for your scar treatment. The price tag is around $38.

19. Bio-Oil

This product contains a special mix of different oils and vitamins that help even out the skin surface and tone. One of the main ingredients is PurCelin oil that doesn’t just deal with scars but acts as an anti-aging remedy and helps heal dehydrated skin.

Bio-oil is non-comedogenic. It contains vitamins A and E, calendula, rosemary, lavender and chamomile oils. The effects become visible in about three months. The best results can be reached when used on new scars. This product improves the skin elasticity as well. It comes at the price of about $18.

20. Scar Esthetique Scar Crème with Silicone

The formula of this effective scar treating cream has 23 effective ingredients. Most of these ingredients are natural and don’t just help deal with your scars but will also keep your skin hydrated and nourished. It also contains coenzyme Q-10 that helps fight the signs of aging. This crème can become your everyday skincare product.

The manufacturer claims that the first results can be visible within three days. However, in most cases, the treatment will take about two to three months or even longer. Scar Esthetique is one of the most promising acne scar treatments on the market, but it hasn’t been clinically proven yet. The cost is around $32.

21. Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum

When you are fighting the acne scars, you know that completely removing them isn’t an option. One of the best ways to deal with this problem is to make the scars as invisible as possible. This is one of the products that will help you do just that. It fades scars, dark spots and other hyperpigmentation.

The serum contains vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, which helps reduce discoloration and brighten up the skin tone. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid which keeps the skin naturally moisturized and improves collagen production that in turn makes the skin firmer and more elastic. The price tag is about $45.

22. Murad Post-Acne Spot Lightening Gel

This is another product that can help lighten up your skin. It does a good job fading the acne scars and dark spots. It has special plant-derived ingredients that help prevent future breakouts and keep the skin as fresh-looking as possible. The gel soothes inflamed areas and makes the skin look clear and bright.

This product contains hydroquinone which acts as a skin-lightening agent. The green tea leaf extract keeps the skin clean and healthy. The AHA acts as an exfoliator. After using this product for at least two weeks, you will notice how the scars are getting lighter. The cost is about $38.

23. Tarte Clean Slate Poreless 12-Hr Perfection Primer

While you are waiting for the acne scar treatment to work, you want to hide the unpleasant-looking pockmarks. This is one of the best products to make your skin look and feel clean and fresh.

The primer contains extract of avocado, goji berry and acai. It also has vitamin C that helps nourish the skin. The rosemary extract stimulates blood flow. Echinacea root and centella Asiatic help deal with inflamed skin.

You can put it on in the morning and forget about touch ups until the evening unless you live in a humid climate. If such is the case, you will need to reapply this product after about six hours. The price is about $45.

24. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

This is another product that will help you conceal your scars. It’s a non-comedogenic concealer that provides a natural matte finish. This is a must-have product for people with prominent acne scars on their face. It can hide all the imperfections while your acne scar treatment is working.

Once you apply this concealer, it will last all day. The manufacturer claims that it works for 15 hours but in reality it can stay on for about eight to 10. It does a good job concealing any hyperpigmentation. The texture is lightweight which makes the concealer pleasant to apply. The cost is approximately $34.

25. Clean and Clear Advantage Mark Treatment

This is a two in one treatment that doesn’t just reduce acne scars, but also heals the existing pimples. It is an acne medication that contains salicylic acid. At the same time the glycolic acid induces proper skin regeneration. The skin’s clarity is improved and the pockmarks are reduced.

If your skin is dry, this product should be used with caution since irritation is one its most popular side effects. The best results are achieved when used on a daily basis for at least one month. The cost is about $9.

26. Prescription Products for Acne Scars

If you are not satisfied with the way the over-the-counter products are working, you can ask your dermatologist to recommend a more powerful remedy to fight the scars. One of them is the above-mentioned Retin-A Micro, another is Tretinoin. We recommend asking your doctor for more options.

When it comes to healing acne scars, you must learn to be patient. Some of them can fade on their own with time. However, the best choice you can make is to start using products for acne scars as soon as the scars appear. Remember, fresh acne scars have a much better chance of disappearing than old ones.

Warning: Before using these products, consult a dermatologist. Never use these remedies if the scars haven’t completely healed. Spot test a product on a small area before applying it all over your face.